This past offseason, DeMar DeRozan was supposed to meet with the LA Clippers‘ front office about signing with the team.
It ended up not happening, but there was no explanation given as to why. There was speculation, but DeRozan finally spoke up about the situation and why he didn’t come back home to play for the Clips.
“They didn’t have much (cap room to sign me), but it was a conversation that was brought up and it didn’t get as far as the Lakers’ situation,” said DeRozan to Yahoo Sports. “Both L.A. teams were definitely a big possibility for me.”
He’s referring to what Chris Haynes reported about the Lakers as well, in that the Lakers were close on signing DeRozan but opted for the Russell Westbrook move instead.
It wasn’t that DeMar DeRozan didn’t want the LA Clippers, but that they just couldn’t pay him.
This news should signal to LA Clippers fans that it wasn’t a situation where a big-time free agent just wasn’t interested in going to the Clips. The Clips are just unfortunately over the cap, and didn’t have what it took on the business side to get it done.
It was perplexing as to why DeRozan took the Bulls over the Clips, as the Clippers would maybe be instant Western Conference favorites if DeRozan came to the Clippers, and would be the consensus favorite if Kawhi comes back.
Don’t believe me? Check out what DeRozan has done this year:
DeRozan’s Bulls entered last night’s game as the number two seed in the East at 10-4. They’re doing this largely due to DeRozan’s dominant play, as he’s averaging 26.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 51% from the field and 37.1% from deep.
The Lakers are the team that had the chance to get him, and passed up on him. As a result, they are struggling mightily with their transition to playing with Westbrook, entering last night’s game with an 8-7 record (good for seventh in the West).
The Clippers could have used DeRozan, but they’re doing alright. They are sitting at 9-5, and a top five seed in the West despite playing with a slew of injuries to key players. DeRozan’s great, but the Clippers will be just fine.